The Big Toy Appeal in action…

There is that pressure to make Christmas special by spending money. The kids go to school and want the same as their friends and what they see on the telly. Every toy that’s in the shop window – ‘I like that one as well’ – suddenly there’s this giant list. Their expectations of Christmas are always so different to my expectations – they’re children after all. I just always think about what we need to just get through Christmas. My boys think anything is possible – Father Christmas can always help.

I am so grateful that The Salvation Army has always remembered us. The hamper arrives mid-December, but I don’t let them open their presents until Christmas Day. I hide them away, wrap them up and put some in their stockings and under the tree. I know that if I haven’t got a lot or am struggling, they will help me make sure the children get something for Christmas. It’s so reassuring.”